The Model T Ford used to promote Aeroplane Jelly at Canberra International Airport. Photo: Rohan Thomson.
Emma Kelly, National Museum of Australia unlocks Aeroplane Jelly truck at Canberra Airport, The Canberra Times, 27 October 2015
The Aeroplane Jelly jingle is an unforgettable part of Australia’s brand history, inspiring even the shyer among us to sing or at least hum: “I like Aeroplane Jelly; Aeroplane Jelly for me“.
Now the historic Model T Ford light truck used to promote the iconic brand in the late 1970s and ’80s is set to inspire unsuspecting feet moving through Canberra International Airport to tap to the ubiquitous tune.
The airport – a fitting location for the brand – has collaborated with the National Museum of Australia to drive the historic vehicle out of the museum and to the public.
The Aeroplane Jelly truck is set to be the first of a string of pieces from the capital’s cultural and historic institutions showcased at the airport.
Airport managing director Stephen Byron was tight-lipped about future displays, but said any artifacts would be Australian, “whether it’s the War Memorial, the National Gallery or the Portrait Gallery”.
“We’re also talking to Questacon about opportunities,” he said. “We’re looking to work with all the major national institutions to tell part of the story of what are the riches of Canberra and our cultural institutions. Obviously that’s part of a tourism strategy to encourage people to come and visit here.”
